NREL 2016 Renewable Energy Data Book shows continued renewable electricity growth

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released its 2016 Renewable Energy Data Book, which showed that renewable electricity in the United States increased to 18.3 percent of total installed capacity and 15.6 percent of total electricity generation in 2016.

The report also found that the combined share of solar and wind capacity surpassed hydropower for the first in the United States and that 67 percent of electric capacity additions during the year came from renewables.

The book, published annually on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, compiles U.S. and global data on renewable electricity generation, renewable energy development, clean energy investments and relevant technologies.

“The data provides useful insights for analysts, investors, and policymakers on the state of renewable energy deployment and industry trends,” NREL Energy Analyst Philipp Beiter said. “The Data Book presents a unique collection of data from a large variety of sources, made easily accessible in one place.”

NREL’s Strategic Energy Analysis Center produces the Renewable Energy Data Book.